Protect the Right to Read: Sign White House Petition on WIPO Treaty

The American Library Association supports the Treaty for the Blind, a treaty that would allow international book lending to print-disabled people–including those who are blind, have low vision, are dyslexic, have a learning disability or other disability that prevents them from accessing print–by promoting an exception to copyright law.

The exception would ask WIPO member nations to establish a national exception that authorizes the making of accessible copies. This copyright exception would be similar to the Chafee Amendment (17 USC §121) in U.S. copyright law. In addition, the exception would allow countries to share accessible copies (Braille, large print, digital formats like accessible e-books) across borders.

Negotiations are reaching a fever pitch with many powerful corporations, including General Electric, Exxon, and the motion picture and publishing industries opposing the treaty. We need your help now. Sign this petition to let the Obama Administration and the WIPO U.S. delegation know that you support the right to read for all.

About TWegner

Ted Wegner is the Grassroots Coordinator for ALA Washington Office's Office of Government Relations (OGR). He provides advocacy training and resources to members. He also oversees OGR's legislative activities on copyright issues. Ted has been with ALA since 2011.